Garrison Henry Phillips Jr.

Garrison Henry Phillips Jr. affectionately known as “Junie Bug”, “Junie”, “Jabo or Jab” of Worton Point, Maryland departed this life on January 23, 2026, at the age of 82 years old surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 15, 1943. He was the son of the late Garrison H. Phillips Sr. and Blanche A. Hynson Phillips. He was raised by his loving grandmother, Pansy V. (Henry) Phillips whom he fondly called Mama. Garrison started his early childhood education at the one room schoolhouse in Worton Point Maryland now known as the “Historical “African American School House”. From there he attended Henry Highland Garnett High School. While there he was given the title as the fastest man in Kent County for his ability to set records in track and field some of which were never broken. He and his teammates participated in track competitions at several high schools, Morgan State University and the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Garrison’s greatest joy was the love he had for his family. On May 27, 1962, he married Catherine Marie Goldsboro, and the two remained husband and wife for 63 years. From their union, five children were born Carol, Antoinette, Bruce, Deneen, and Kim. Garrison was known as a loving, friendly, and a kind man who always kept a smile on his face. Anyone who knew him knew that he was the most loving husband and father a family could ask for. His greatest enjoyment was in spending time with his family and friends as well as attending church services, family cookouts, and holiday get-togethers. He loved home cooked meals prepared by his wife. He was good at fixing things. Sort of a “Jack of all trades” and the master of many. From repairing things around the house to small car repairs to overhauling complete car engines using his God given abilities. He also enjoyed sharing stories about his past. They usually were about a missed shot or the fish that got away or some mishap he had. The stories always including sound effects which always ended in laughter. He also was a great dresser and later in life loved driving Cadillacs. He was an all-around outdoorsman. He loved hunting but loved boating and fishing the most – receiving an award for catching 3 large rock fish in 1978 and having his picture in the Kent News Paper. He taught those traits to his son and grandsons. He also loved watching westerns, horseracing, track and field, Young and the Restless, CNN and discussing politics; and watching the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. Garrison gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was a lifelong member of St. George’s United Methodist Church. He was baptized as an adult by the late Rev. Anthony Brown in a river baptismal ceremony at Cliffs City Landing on July 9, 2011. He served as a member on the Trustee Board, he sang on the Men’s Choir, provided lawncare services at the church and helped whenever he could until his health began to fail. He worked several jobs over the years including Bloomfield Farms, Chestertown Brick Company, ConAgra, later retiring from Johnson Controls with 20 years of service. That was the job that he enjoyed working the most. In addition to his parents and his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his older brother Arlington H. Phillips and a sister Alma L. Phillips Hutchins. Garrison’s memory will be cherished by his devoted wife Catherine; children Carol (Melvin) Thomas; Antoinette (James) Barrett; Bruce Phillips, Deneen Phillips (Johnnie), and Kim Gray. Nine grandchildren, TyRay Valentine; Jamaal Thomas (Danielle); DeAndre Smith; Sherkita Hopkins; Miles Gray; Jamel Thomas; Iesha Warrick; Maiyanna Gray; Shanika Barrett and Tymere Valentine whom he raised. 19 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren. Brothers: James Phillips; Robert (Jean); Medford (Rev. Joyce); Dwight (Delores); Brian (Denise); sister Rev. Denise Phillips Jones. Aunts: Marietta Hynson, Mary Livina Hynson, and Mary (Snookie) Hynson. Sisters’ in-law Edna Phillips; Lorraine Sampson; Shirley Lindsey, Gloria Johnson; Carolyn Goldsboro. Special cousins: Donald Phillips, Darlene Phillips Fisher, and Diane Phillips. Phillips Family patriarch Donald Comegys. Special nephews Reggie Johnson (Princess) and Anthony (Sam) Black (Catina). Lifelong friends Charles Worrell, Charles (Charlie Buck) Smith, Romie Comegys, and Clifford Wright and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lovingly submitted by the family.

Garrison Henry Phillips Jr.

March 15, 1943 - January 23, 2026